DMK blames organisers

36 people, including children, killed in stampede at Vijay's Karur rally

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Thirty-six people, including eight children, died in a stampede at actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, about 400 km away from Chennai, Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister TN Chief Minister MK Stalin said.

Vijay, heading the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, said he was heartbroken and in "unbearable pain," following the stampede that left women and children dead in one of the worst tragedies in the state recently.

The victims also include 16 women, Stalin, who convened a meeting of top state officials at the Secretariat to review the situation, said.

He also announced a Commission of Inquiry to be led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into the stampede.

Stalin, who will be leaving for Karur Saturday, termed the situation "worrisome". The government also announce a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the victims.